Hiding Sparrows

11. The rundown

After a few more shops in which I felt totally out of my depth, and a quick stop via the food court, Azael drove me home. We made some pleasant small talk. I learnt that he grew up in Byron, a coastal town on the central coast. I asked him how he met Ty and he told me they'd met when they were teenagers. When I tried to press for more, he just dodged the question, and moved the conversation elsewhere. I couldn't help but feel intrigued, but decided to let it go.

Other than that, the conversation was easy. He spoke about what it was like growing up in Byron, and he even told me about one time he accidentally stumbled across a nude beach with his friends as a teenager and had to stop them from joining in. He didn't press me with questions about my own past, and I didn't offer him any.

Eventually, we reached my apartment block and Azael parked out front and got out to help me with my bags.

As we climbed the staircase up to my apartment, I cleared my throat and spoke. "Thanks for the lift, Azael."

He gave me a warm smile. "My friends call me Az, if you'd prefer it."

I glanced at him an nodded. After a second, I asked, "Why doesn't Ty call you that? Are you not... friends?"

He chuckled. "He's right about one thing, then. You don't mince words."

My cheeks burned and I shook my head, looking down at the stairs. "Sorry. You don't have to answer that."

"Nah, it's okay," He said. "I can answer that. Tyson doesn't call me Az for the same reason I don't call him Ty. He's a stickler for formality. To him, using someone's full name is a sign of respect. As for my relationship with him, it's definitely complicated, but I would be quick to call him my closest friend, and I'd hope he would too. Though he'd probably be reluctant to admit it."

"Oh?" I said, glancing at him.

He smiled. "Tyson isn't usually very open about his feelings. Like, his grandma for instance. He cares deeply about her, deeper than he cares about anyone else. When you stole from her, breaking in like it was just another Tuesday, that seriously got to him. I reckon, if you were anyone else, your conversation with him that night at your work and after your shift... well, it would have gone very differently."

"What do you mean?" I asked, anxiousness twisting in my gut, thinking that maybe, this was a ruse. Maybe Ty knew about Melbourne all along. "I'm nobody."

We'd reached my door and Azrael—Az—put down the bags and stopped to look at me fully, a small smile on his face. "Well that stands to be tested. But nobody or not, you caught his attention. It's not often that he gives a girl his credit card."

He held out his hand I turned scarlet. I'd completely forgotten I still had it. I quickly pulled out my wallet and put the card into his hand.

"I wouldn't have used it," I said, quickly. Az just grinned.

"I believe you. You don't seem like the sugar daddy type."

I chose to take no offence to that.

He stowed the card in his pocket, and glanced at the bags. I was horrified to realise that one was open enough to see a set of baby pink lingerie sitting on top. Az looked away, an awkward smile on his face. "I trust you'll be good with all that from here?"

I nodded, quickly grabbing for the bags as my cheeks burned. "Yep. Right. Mmhm."

He chuckled awkwardly. "Listen, Robin. Tyson... he's tough on the outside. But underneath all that, he's a sensitive guy."

"Okay?" I muttered, confused. He scratched his neck.

"Just... don't mess around with him, alright? Not... like that."

"I'm not messing around with him." I said quickly.

He didn't look convinced. "Yeah," he murmured, his voice laced with sarcasm. "It's just business."

I didn't know what to say to that so I didn't say anything. After a long moment, he shook his head.

"Just be careful, Robin. I don't want to see him—or, you—get hurt."

I felt a lump rise in my throat, and suddenly, it was like I was back in Melbourne, getting a rundown by one of Jack's men. Only then, they weren't as nice as Az is being right now.

"I'll be careful," I forced out, then I focused on the shopping bags. "Thanks again for the lift. And the... chats. It was good getting to know you."

He nodded, the serious look falling from his face. I felt the tension dissipate. "Hey, if I get some nice curry out of it, I'm more than happy to take you shopping."

I smiled. "Maybe another time, then."

"I'm sure there will be, Robin. Now, go relax. Tyson told me he'll swing past later tonight to talk about Friday."

I felt my stomach do a somersault, but tried to conceal it with nonchalance. "Cool." I choked out.

I don't think Az bought it, but he didn't call me out. He just nodded, and went to go back down the stairs.

"See you, Robin."

"Bye," I responded, watching him go. I waited till he'd ducked out of view, then fumbled for my keys.

As I was rummaging through my bags, my hand brushed against the lingerie again, and a fresh wave of embarrassment rolled over me.

Fucking Ty. Asking me to get undergarments.

I tried to ignore the little part of me that wanted him to see them.

It's just business, he'd said.

Besides. Even if it was something more, I couldn't afford to take any chances. I couldn't let myself slip up. Not like last time.

Whatever was going on with Ty, I wouldn't let it consume me.

No matter how badly I wanted him to.